The Power of Diaphragmatic Breathing: Why the Way You Breathe Matters Is There a “Wrong” Way to Breathe? It may sound like a strange question, but it’s one I discuss regularly with patients in physical therapy—especially those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or diastasis recti. You might be thinking, “I don’t…
6 Ways to Make Speech Therapy Practice Fun at Home Helping your child practice speech therapy at home does not have to feel like extra homework. In fact, the best speech practice often happens during play, games, and everyday family activities. When children are having fun, they are more likely to stay engaged, participate, and…
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Children: Signs, Symptoms, and How Therapy Can Help What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, often called EDS, is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect the body’s collagen and connective tissues. There are 13 known types of EDS, and each type can affect different parts of the body in…
5 Simple Ways to Help Your Child Build Strong Communication Skills As a parent, you want your child to grow into a confident communicator who can clearly express their thoughts, needs, and emotions. Strong communication skills are essential for social development, learning, and everyday success. The good news is that language development starts at home,…
How Physical Therapy Can Support You Through Depression No one chooses depression. It often arrives quietly, building over time or appearing when life feels overwhelming. It can affect how you think, feel, and move through your day. Many people experience symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in…
Four Indoor Activities to Beat the Summer Heat Summer in Arizona is often described as “the desert holding its breath.” When temperatures climb into the triple digits, heading outdoors isn’t always an option—especially for families with young children. Staying inside is the safest choice, but keeping kids entertained (and off screens) can quickly become a…
What is Osteoarthritis? Your primary care physician diagnosed you with Osteoarthritis and now you’re wondering, “what is that?” More importantly, what are your options? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in adults that results from the progressive wearing down of your joint tissue. This process is not to be confused with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which…
Communication Breakdown or Sensory Breakdown Understanding How to Best Support Your Child As parents, one of the hardest moments is watching your child struggle—especially when you’re not sure why it’s happening. Is it frustration because they can’t express themselves? Or are they overwhelmed by their environment? Understanding the difference between a communication breakdown and a…
What is Occupational Therapy? Celebrating OT Month By Jessica Tallent, OTR/L Kids Place Pediatric Occupational Therapist Since 1980, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has recognized April as occupational therapy month. But what exactly do occupational therapists, specifically pediatric occupational therapists, do? The World Federation of Occupational Therapy (OT) defines occupational therapy as a “client-centered…
How Frustration and Communication Are Connected in Children (And How to Help Your Child) If you’ve ever watched your child melt down when they couldn’t express what they needed, you’re not alone. Many parents notice that when communication breaks down, big emotions quickly take over—tears, yelling, shutting down, or acting out. What can feel confusing…
